'Project Runway' Star Wendy Pepper Dead At 53

Fashion designer Anne Eustis Pepper, known as Wendy Pepper to the many who watched her compete on “Project Runway,” has died. She was 53.

Pepper died on Sunday surrounded by family, according to an obituary published in The Washington Post. No cause of death was given.

“Wendy designed and hand-sewed exceptionally beautiful clothes for children and adults,” the obituary reads. “She was a chef, a writer, and a life-long entrepreneur. Her wit and humor were unmatched, as was her generosity of spirit.”

A representative for Lifetime, which currently airs the series, confirmed Pepper’s death in a statement to HuffPost.

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of another member of the Project Runway family, designer Wendy Pepper, this year,” the statement read. “Wendy was one of the original designers that sent creations down the catwalk, paving the way for other designers to come. We wish her family and friends peace during this difficult time.”

Pepper was born in Dayton, Ohio, and raised in Washington, D.C. She attended the University of Washington. Her interest in design was sparked by a trip to Nepal, where she became inspired by local customs and textiles.

After competing on “Project Runway,” she opened her own store and created the Pretty World fashion line.

She is survived by her daughter, Finley, whom she often mentioned on the reality show, her parents, three brothers and a sister, as well as several nieces and nephews.